But it wasn't about anything in the garden, it was about myself. It was one of those moments when something ultra sumple hits you over the head like a profound thought.
I like my garden. I mean that in a gushing, Sally Field award acceptance speech kind of way. I REALLY, REALLY LIKE MY GARDEN. It makes no sense really, as my year's work is flawed in so many ways: the stubborn weeds that keep coming back in droves that I can't keep up with, the overcrowding I am always guilty of creating by filling in too many areas I wrongly predict as what will later be huge gaps at the end of the growing season. I never get the spacing right! There's not enough contrast between pairings of things I've placed beside each other, and I'm too optimistic about not needing stakes until I end up out there making an embarassingly late staking effort with blooms that have bowed over to have their faces in the dirt. Oh, and there are many big gaps where I've anticipated huge success with things that have turned out darn spindly, and several areas I haven't even attempted to beautify. As a whole, it's a modgepodge of chaos when you step back and take it all in.
My garden gets few complements, and I conclude that there must be only a few out there who 'get' my garden. It's a labour of love that not all can appreciate. Despite all it's shortcomings and total flops, I really like the adventure of working on it. The year's few success stories include a bunch of delphiniums I raised from seeds I collected last year, the fruitfulness of my lupins that are only too happy to offer new seedlings as thanks for their stay, and my delight in discovering how nice lavender looks planted in between something I think is called Elephant Ears.. While watering this morning I got to thinking of all this when I was looking to see if the blooms on my newest Dahlias were open-I'm really looking forward to that. I'll reflect on the flops over winter, I'll remember some of the discoveries of this season while I'm at it, and I'll look forward to new wonders in the garden next season. I really enjoy my garden.
Comment Guidelines
We welcome your feedback on Houseandhome.com. H&H reserves the right to remove any unsuitable personal remarks made about the bloggers, hosts, homeowners and/or guests we feature. Please keep your comments focused on decorating, design, cooking and other lifestyle topics. Adopt a tone you would be willing to use in person and do not make slanderous remarks or use denigrating language. If you see a comment that you believe violates any of the guidelines outlined above, please click “Alert a Moderator.” Thank you.
Thanks Amy! When I first began gardeing I think I was zone 8, but it seems the ratings got more complicated since then and I am now zone 6b.
Dahlias are kind of new to me, as I first tried them about 3 years ago. I just leave them out with a good bit of hope, as the bed they are in is a bit raised and sheltered slightly by the carport roof. I did end up losing a red one I planted with the first lot, but the others are doing fine. I don't plant anything that needs to be dug out. Our shed is too small for storing fussy stuff-the tough love thing works better for me! :laugh:
your gardens are just beautiful!!!!!!! :clapping: I hope mine look half a good next year :) Do youhave to dig p the dahlias and over winter them indoors?
What zone are they?
and a few more...
Here are a few shots of my overcrowded front garden that still has weeds. I'm still working on it, though! I took a few of my newest dahlias, much larger than the ones I already have. The one with the bee is just huge, but it's kind of blooming between branches so it looks small in the photo. Too bad about all the geraniums out of view.....they got crowded out with the bad planning. Oh well!
Dawn, I'm so glad you're so enthusiastic about your garden......we should all stop and smell the roses :D
My garden started out ok but I didn't look after it much this year because of all the renos.........just like I say every year, maybe next year it will be better, I only hope :D
Glad I'm not the only one glad for the good times in the garden this year. I'll have to get a few photos up. I'll need them for next year anyway, as I find it hard to remember what I have growing back from the previous year without them. I've made the mistake of pulling up a few plants in Spring before realizing it was something new I planted last season and NOT a weed!
Pearl_girl I love the mix of your garden with its trees and statues among the smaller plantings. I love the colour of the flowers with the greens...is that astilbe?
As neglected as they are this year . What with the total bathroom reno, the new flooring and the septic system relacement all at the same time, I haven't had much time for my gardens. It's the first place I head to when I'm taking a break though. I find them to be very rewarding, and soothing.I love the colours and textures and smells. Next year I plan on adding some flower beds to my back yard, I have a new hill (the weeping bed) That I want to make less of an eyesore :eek:
Yeah for gardening :bliss:
are exactly that and should be....a labour of love.......not what is right or wrong or how perfect, that is the reason you love your garden! :) it is your creation and im glad you enjoyed it. :)
smiles
janetc
gaps and floppy plants are me ! I love to putter and do it for myself really. If someone says it looks nice fine, but it is my fun puttering out there.
I like your attitude, Dawn :) You sound like the sort of person who sees beauty in things that other people might overlook.
As long as you have fun in your garden and it gives you pleasure, then it doesn't matter if there are gaps and floppy flowers :)
Do you have any pics you can share with us??